Shop with your exclusive business pricing
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
$5.99 with 65 percent savings
Print List Price: $16.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Melanie Moreland
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Contract: An enemies to marriage office romance (The Contract Series Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Melanie Moreland (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 21,791 ratings

From NYT bestselling author Melanie Moreland comes enemies to lovers, office romance -

A tyrant by day, a playboy by night.

That is the reputation that precedes Richard VanRyan. He lives life the way he wants, no concern for the opinion of others. He cares for no one, is completely unrepentant, and he has no desire to change his ways.

Katharine Elliott works under Richard as his PA. She despises him and his questionable ethics, but endures all the garbage he sends her way, because she needs the job. Her end goal is far more important than the daily abuse and demands she tolerates from her nasty tyrant of a boss. Until the day, he asks her for something she never expected. A new role with a personal contract— fiancée instead of PA.

What happens when two people who loathe each other, have to live together and act as though they are madly in love?

Sparks.
That's what happens.

Can the power of love really change a person?

Will they survive the contract?

What do you do when the one person you hate the most becomes the one person you can't live without?

Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 1 of 3
    The Contract Series
  2. Print length
    360 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    May 24, 2016
  6. Reading age
    17 - 18 years
  7. File size
    688 KB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 3 books in this series.
This option includes 3 books.

Customers also bought or read

Page 1 of 1Start over
Previous page
  4. Welcome to the Cameo Hotel
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  5. The Executive
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  7. Into The Storm
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  10. Getting Real
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  11. That Guy
    Kindle Edition
    $3.99
  13. Beneath the Scars
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  14. Good Girl (Love Unexpectedly)
    Kindle Edition
    $6.99
  15. Off the Cuff
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  16. Bossy Nights
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  18. Sweet Spot (Irresistible)
    Kindle Edition
    $2.99
  21. Over the Fence
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  23. Repeat
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  27. Love Story (Love Unexpectedly)
    Kindle Edition
    $7.99
  28. Now Or Never (Irresistible)
    Kindle Edition
    $2.99
  29. Getting Played
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  30. Accidentally Yours
    Kindle Edition
    $9.99
Next page
Loading...
Popular Highlights in this book
What are popular highlights?
Previous page
  1. A voice spoke in my head, whispering maybe what she needed all along was someone to hold her up, rather than tear her down.
    Highlighted by 1,151 Kindle readers
  2. She and Katy showed me it was okay to feel, to trust . . . and to love. Because, in that one moment, I knew I was in love with my wife.
    Highlighted by 812 Kindle readers
  3. “When you get older, Richard, you realize life is made up of moments. All sorts of them. Sad ones, good ones, and great ones. They make up the tapestry that is your life. Hold on to all of them—especially the great ones. They make the others easy to take.”
    Highlighted by 725 Kindle readers
  4. With those words, he grabbed me, dragged me to him, kissing me as the doors shut, closing off the shocked gasps.
    Highlighted by 543 Kindle readers
  5. When had she become more important than I was? She was the sidekick. I was the star.
    Highlighted by 513 Kindle readers
Next page

From the Publisher

phone tablet paperback on office desk

“Ready to dance with your husband?”

Her smile was shy, but real, as she slipped her hand into mine.

I twirled her onto the dance floor amid the laughter. She nestled into me as we moved to the music. Once again, it struck me how well she fit to me—the way her head was the perfect height to tuck under my chin. I could smell her soft scent, and enjoyed the silk of her hair on my skin. I beamed as we spun around, our steps in sync.

I had chosen the perfect fake wife.

The Contract has the tropes you are looking for

  • Playboy Billionaire
  • Employee/Boss Relationship
  • Marriage of Convenience
  • Close Proximity
  • Love Reforms The Hero
Man's chin holding woman's cheek with words what do you do
mans suit with words when the one person you hate the most becomes the one person you can't live
wedding rings with pen and words the contract

Editorial Reviews

Review

5 out of 5 stars #DRAMATICGIRLYEMOTIONSAHEAD
By Jennifer Pierson: The Power of Three Readers
This is the first book that I've read by this author, and I absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED IT! WOW! I can't wait to read more by this awesome author, so I'm going to HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND The Contract to everyone!

5 out of 5 stars
By Donna
This is the first book of Melanie's I've read and I can say without hesitation, that it will not be the last ! What a brilliant book ! From start to finish I had trouble putting it down.

 5 out of 5 stars OHMYGOODNESS
By Dawn
If I could give this wonderful story more than five stars I would.

5 out of 5 stars A definite 'must read'!!!
By Tracy ~ Book Loving Pixies
I adored Over the Fence by Melanie Moreland and I wasn't sure how she could top it..... then she gave us The Contract!!!

5 out of 5 stars Amazing characters for an Amazing Story
By My Own Bookshelves
This book will bring out the feels. Sometimes stabby, sometimes sad, sometimes happy. The cast of supporting characters bring the Hero and heroine through their journey that can't help loving (most) of them. If you never read Melanie Moreland's novels, I highly recommend this novel. 5 out of 5 'love to hate him' stars.

From the Author

The Contract Book #1
What do you do when the one person you loath becomes the one person you can't live without?

The Baby Clause 2.0 Novella
Richard VanRyan just added another description to his resume.
Daddy.
How will he handle it?

The Amendment Book #3
When the life you know becomes the life you had, how do you cope?
How will Richard and Katy overcome The Amendment?

The Addendum Book #4
What happens when the man you used to be casts a shadow over the man you are today?
Can forgiveness be earned or does it come with too high a price?

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01D6TA9Y8
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Moreland Books Inc
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 24, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 688 KB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 360 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780993619878
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0993619878
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ The Contract Series
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 17 - 18 years
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 21,791 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Melanie Moreland

Melanie Moreland

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

New York Times/WSJ/USAT International bestselling author Melanie Moreland, lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her beloved husband of thirty-plus years and their rescue cat, Amber. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them.

While seriously addicted to coffee, and highly challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties, and also enjoys traveling, here and abroad, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip.

Melanie loves stories, especially paired with a good wine, and enjoys skydiving (free falling over a fleck of dust) extreme snowboarding (falling downstairs), and piloting her own helicopter (tripping over her own feet.) She's learned happily-ever-afters, even bumpy ones, are all in how you tell the story.

Keep up with Melanie

Newsletter (no spam!)

https://bit.ly/MMorelandNewsletter

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/authormoreland/

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
21,791 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers enjoy this romance novel for its well-developed characters and heartwarming story, with one review highlighting the engaging banter between the main characters. The book receives praise for its readability, with customers noting they couldn't stop reading, and its emotional depth, with one review mentioning being drawn into tear-jerking passages. Customers find the book amusing, with one review particularly appreciating the interactions between Richard and Katy. While the book features great twists and turns, some customers find the plot predictable.

Select to learn more

Story qualityRomanceCharacter developmentReadabilityEmotion levelHumorSweetnessTwists and turns
872 customers mention "Story quality"859 positive13 negative

Customers enjoy the story of this book, describing it as a sweet and fun read.

"...Overall it's ok, I liked it but I wasn't thrilled. Great read though." Read more

"Great book. Highly recommended. Love the story. Love the characters. Laughed out loud moments. Can't wait to read the next book." Read more

"Such a great read. In the beginning I felt that Katy was a mouse. But It turned out that she was very giving and had some fire in her belly...." Read more

"...Cliffhanger: None. A Stand alone. The Verdict: Good read! I recommend it to all romance fans and contemporary romance readers...." Read more

355 customers mention "Romance"307 positive48 negative

Customers enjoy the romantic elements of the book, describing it as a heart-warming love story with beautiful romance scenes.

"...The story is filled with humor, family, love, and sadness...." Read more

"...It was entertaining and fun, as well as romantic...." Read more

"...And even more so when Katy calls him out on his b.s. !! A great love story too. I highly recommend it !!" Read more

"Need to read more of Melanie Moreland's books . Great love story. A must read. Couldn't put it down read the book in 1 1/2 days." Read more

276 customers mention "Character development"255 positive21 negative

Customers appreciate the well-developed characters in the book, particularly the hero and heroine, with one customer noting the effective banter between the main characters.

"...Awesome storyline and characters... it gave me chills and had tears running down my face all at the same time...." Read more

"...It was funny, heartbreaking, sweet and totally HOT.... I loved the characters and the twists they each had...." Read more

"...I immediately downloaded the sequel also because I fell in love with the characters. Katy was adorable and so sweet...." Read more

"Love it❤❤❤ love it all the emotions that it had and the characters were great love how she holds her own and the way he fell in love with her😍😍😍and..." Read more

235 customers mention "Readability"217 positive18 negative

Customers find the book well written and easy to read, with several noting they couldn't stop reading it.

"...This book was surprising in all the right ways. It was well written, which is rare these days, and both of the characters had depth!..." Read more

"...Well written; will read more by this author." Read more

"...A nice, easy read!" Read more

"Easy read. The characters are believable. You will not consider this a waste of time." Read more

227 customers mention "Emotion level"218 positive9 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional depth of the book, finding it full of heartfelt moments that make them cry, with one customer noting how it draws them into tear-jerking passages.

"This is a sweet, slow-burn romance...." Read more

"Sweet and romantic story. Liked it very much. If you like romantic stories you will love it. I would definately read more about this author" Read more

"...you, Melanie Moreland, for writing an amazing book that made me laugh, cry, get frustrated, and swoon...." Read more

"...The story is filled with humor, family, love, and sadness...." Read more

151 customers mention "Humor"144 positive7 negative

Customers find the book humorous, particularly appreciating the witty banter between characters Richard and Katy, which kept them entertained throughout the story.

"...It was funny, heartbreaking, sweet and totally HOT.... I loved the characters and the twists they each had...." Read more

"...It was entertaining and fun, as well as romantic...." Read more

"Fast read, entertaining! Makes ya laugh, makes ya cry! Moves along well, a little predictable." Read more

"...The plot is fairly predictable, but it's engaging and anyway the strength of the story is Richard...." Read more

89 customers mention "Sweetness"69 positive20 negative

Customers find the book beautiful and charming, describing it as a classic "beauty and the beast" tale.

"The Contract was a very sweet, very romantic, well written book. I loved the story and the characters...." Read more

"...It was funny, smart, sexy, full of emotion. No regrets of buying." Read more

"...The characters are great, it's emotional, cute and heartwarming. The editing is on point, which I appreciate." Read more

"...The overall story, as well, just felt too cliched and cookie cutter for my taste; the guy who is big shot but a jerk because he was neglected by his..." Read more

102 customers mention "Twists and turns"54 positive48 negative

Customers have mixed reactions to the book's twists and turns, with some appreciating the great twists and unexpected moments, while others find the story predictable and lacking in plot development.

"...There was just the perfect amount of romance and peaks and ups and downs. I'll definitely be recommending this book to anyone and everyone!..." Read more

"I enjoyed this book very much. A bit predictable, but still enjoyable. Made me laugh and cry which says a lot...." Read more

"...book because you are taken through emotions of falling in love, and trust. Recommend this amazing adventure." Read more

"...Negatives.. predictable, slow, and richard was kind of annoying" Read more

I love this book!
5 out of 5 stars
I love this book!
🔘Marriage of Convenience 🔘Employee/Boss Relationship 🔘Grumpy/Sunshine 🔘Enemies to Lovers 🔘Playboy MMC ✨Book 1 of 3: The Contract Series Author: Melanie Moreland. After being overlooked for a partnership at his company, Richard VanRyan is determined to prove his worth. He hatches a plan to secure a better position with a rival firm. Enter Katherine Elliott, his meek PA, whom he persuades to play the role of his fake fiancée. However, he didn’t expect to be attracted to Katherine and for his lies to spiral out of control. ✨Thoughts✨ Recently, I had the chance to revisit this story, and I must admit, my love for this book has only grown. It completely absorbed my attention. At first, Richard's heartless demeanor and the way he mistreated Katherine had me seeing red. Thankfully, Katherine mustered the courage to stand up to him and assert herself. I also loved the way the slow burn of their relationship is beautifully paced, allowing them to discover each other on a more intimate level. The book effortlessly combines romance, character development, and just the right amount of conflict to keep readers engaged. The author's exploration of every aspect of the story will have you hooked from start to finish. Overall, "The Contract" is a must-read if you enjoy tropes such as slow burn romance and marriage of convenience.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Jessica
    5.0 out of 5 stars Couple goals
    Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    What a delightful emotional journey! The MMC initially frustrated me, but by the end, he completely won me over. I'm thoroughly enjoying the storyline; it's both humorous and deeply moving. I eagerly anticipate reading the continuation of their story.
    Helpful
     Report
  • AMD
    4.0 out of 5 stars Proving Yourself ❤️💍💵💙
    Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Katy and Richard have an interesting work relationship, he’s her not nice boss and she’s a woman who puts up with him because she needs the job. He’s needs her as a wife to show he’s serious about family to get a job he’s after.

    The change in Richard as he immerses himself in her life is phenomenal. He becomes a better person for knowing g and eventually loving her. A true testament that anyone can change.

    A good story with a sweet HEA.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Emotional, funny, steamy
    Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Very well written. How the author built the emotions that brought me to tears is baffling. I loved this story and the characters discovering each other that led to a strong love affair. Very good!
    Helpful
     Report
  • BookAddict
    5.0 out of 5 stars All the Hype -- I Get it Now
    Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Now I understand all the Richard VanRyan hype. Now I understand why readers kept on insisting they wanted more and why this fictional world has grown so big. With this new release of The Contract from Waterhouse Press, a whole new group of readers gets to fall in love with Richard and Katy.

    To put it bluntly, Richard VanRyan is an unrepentant jerk. He’s selfish, egotistical, and rude, and he doesn’t have a compassionate bone in his playboy body. He's the kind of boss everyone hopes will experience a slow painful death by a thousand paper cuts. Pity the poor soul who has to work for him.

    That poor soul is Katherine Elliott. She puts up with his haughty condescension and impossibly unrealistic standards because she desperately needs her job. But then Richard's circumstances change, and he needs something from Katy. He needs an image makeover in the form of a fiancée. He needs the drab, mousey woman he constantly berates to pretend she’s madly in love with him when she'd rather choke the life out of him with his own tie.

    When a hero starts out this awful, there's a snowball’s chance in Hades for him to be redeemed in my eyes, much less make me fall for him. However, Moreland has some special wordsmith alchemy, and the Richard we end up with is vastly different from the Richard we first meet. But then love from the right woman and the power of found family are a unique kind of magic.

    This story, at its heart, is about the change and growth love can bring if we let it. Have no doubt, Richard fights it, but Katy gives as good as she gets and is his equal in every way. Forget sparks. These two are a blazing Inferno roaring out of control, and their story is magnificent to behold!

    By turns humorous then tender, steamy then deeply emotional, this story has absconded with my heart, and I’m not sure I’ll ever be the same. Charming, timeless, and unforgettable, you won’t be able to get enough of this exquisite, breathtaking love story!
    7 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • bookworm25
    3.0 out of 5 stars Had high expectations; unfortunately, the book falls short of them
    Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I'm sorry to admit that I was rather disappointed with The Contract. While I've read many of Mel's fanfics (and loved most of them), this is the first of her published works that I've read. I found the story to be highly predictable and extremely simplistic. There weren't any plot twists whatsoever, and the pace at which the relationship between the characters changed was too quick and easily accomplished. Yes, I know Katy is treated like total crap for a long time before Richard begins to change his attitude, but all it took was just one conversation, and then things seemed to be fixed. Considering she was put through the emotional wringer for months, it seemed like a gaping wound that was able to heal by simply slapping a band aid on it. The overall story, as well, just felt too cliched and cookie cutter for my taste; the guy who is big shot but a jerk because he was neglected by his parents and so has trust issues and treats everyone like crap AND the girl who is one of the most selfless characters I have ever read who changes his heart- it was just too much- when it came to their relationship and characterization, it just felt like a troupe that is so overdone in writing. If I'm going to read office romances like this, I want to see some angst and the characters really having to work to get over obstacles that are in front of them, and there just wasn't enough in the book. Ultimately, it lacked a defining factor that would make the story stand on its own and be able to be distinctly different from any other contemporary office romance.

    Also, I'm not sure if this was initially a fanfic that was turned into an original novel, but it certainly felt like it with the way the Gavin family seemed so like the Cullens are in most fanfics- extremely welcoming, a bit obnoxiously nosy, and valuing family above all else. Also, Tyler Hunter? I've heard the name James Hunter in so many fanfics that I immediately started thinking fanfic James when I heard the name and how he was a rival for Richard (Edward), and then I started imagining David as Aro. Maybe this was never a fanfic, and I just already had this perspective because I've read so many of Mel's other fanfics as well as other fanfic office romances that feature a jerky Edward. If you know for sure that this was never a Twilight fanfic, ignore what I'm about to say; just skip over it. In fact, if you loved this book, just skip over the final paragraph because you're probably not going to like my opinion.

    If this was in fact a fanfic at some point: I've said this in a previous review, and I will say it again here. If you are going to write a fanfic that has characters that are very similar in personality to what they are in canon, then you have to change it up if you're going to pull to publish. If you're going to write something that is supposed to be "original," readers, like myself, should not be drawing the sort of parallels I just mentioned in the previous paragraph. Now, I get the main characters were nothing like canon Bella and Edward- awesome, great job! But, the Gavins play such a huge role in this story that it becomes such a distraction to continuously see them as the Cullen family; and, they shouldn't be. If this is "original," the secondary characters need to also be "original."
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Miriam Elizabeth
    5.0 out of 5 stars It was an awesome book
    Reviewed in Mexico on October 18, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    It was an awesome book, couldn't stop reading since the first page, it has action, mystery,. Romance, hate, an passionate love. I'm so in love with Ignazio
    Report
  • Down Under Reviewer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wow
    Reviewed in Australia on August 31, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    What an amazing read. Going from enemies to the ones. Once they understood each other’s past and the reasoning to accepting the offer of marriage, it was all on a road to love. Great storyline. Narration was awesome.
    Report
  • Fran Furtado
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great story
    Reviewed in Brazil on May 27, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I love this kind of story that you can see the changes in the characters, you see them growing and becoming better people. The Contract gives you exactly that, Richard is a bastard in the beginning, the way he treats Katherine is terrible, but that makes the changes so much more significant, with a little love he becomes a real man. Katherine shows her strength and good heart so many times, she's a lovable character, you see the way she holds herself when Richard treats her so poorly, but her reasons for tolerating everything he sends her way are noble, she's loyal and loves with all her heart. Penny was a character that's impossible not to love, she's outspoken, happy and so good, I cried with her and for her.

    The Contract is a book worth reading, I'm happy that I bought it, Malanie Moreland always brings us amazing books.
    Report
  • Madame reader
    4.0 out of 5 stars Thème classique - mais très bien écrit
    Reviewed in France on August 29, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Livre très bien écrit avec un personnage masculin central plus détaillé que le personnage féminin. Ca apporte du changement comparé aux autres livres de ce type. C'est une lecture très sucrée.
    Le livre est sur 1 thème classique du genre, mais le fait d'avoir principalement le personnage masculin au premier plan vient contre balancer cet effet. Il y a des répétitions sur les sentiments des personnages qui alourdissent sur quelques passages la lecture.
    Sinon c'est un bon moment de lecture.
    Report
  • JudyAnnLovesBooks
    5.0 out of 5 stars Book Magic
    Reviewed in Italy on December 19, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I can’t even right now. Richard and Katy’s story has wrecked me. Emotionally, I’m all over the place. I felt everything from anger to despair to sadness to joy to happiness and to rightness. This book is everything a truly touching and beautiful romance read should be. I’m overwhelmed by the power Melanie Moreland wields with her words. As always, she delivers book magic and for that I thank her. TBR The Contract and keep the tissues handy.
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report